Job centre security guards in Bolton have walked out over poor pay again in the latest wave of strike action.

Jobcentre Plus guards employed by security company G4S are picketing up and down the country this week. 

Union leaders say that they are not paid enough to live on, with 90 per cent of them reportedly being on minimum wage. 

1500 GMB Union guards across the country are walking out across this week, including at the Jobcentre Plus branch on Black Horse Street in the town centre. 

Paul Barren, who works at the Bolton branch, highlighted the minimum wage as one of the main reasons they were striking. 

Kamran Saba, the branch's union rep, added: "As security guards, we incur costs, we have to renew our badges ourselves every three years, which costs £300, and we have to take days off work unpaid to do it. 

"And we have to do our own training. 

"You get spat at, you get pushed, I am not working minimum wage for that." 

Paul added: "I am a team leader but I get paid the same wage as everyone else." 

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Danny Patel said: "As soon as I get paid, once I pay my bills I am left with absolutely nothing." 

Guards at the picket also raised issues with agency workers, such as the ones currently being used to deputise during the strike, are paid a better rate than them. 

L-R: Danny Patel, Lawrence Aboagye, Dawn Taylor, Paul Barren, Muqadas Iqbal and Kamran SabaL-R: Danny Patel, Lawrence Aboagye, Dawn Taylor, Paul Barren, Muqadas Iqbal and Kamran Saba (Image: Newsquest)

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: “It’s not rocket science – if the DWP and G4S want to end this dispute, make sure these guards are paid enough to live on.

“G4S has been handed millions by the Government, yet our members can barely afford to feed their families.

“The work they do is hard; they are attacked with alarming regularity just for doing their job.

“The least they expect is to be paid a proper wage.”

A G4S spokesman said: “Our dedicated security colleagues do a great job, sometimes in difficult circumstances.

“We urge the GMB to present our offer to our employees, which is both above minimum wage and inflation. We are keen to bring this dispute to an amicable conclusion.

“Our contingency plans, agreed in partnership with DWP, have proved highly effective in maintaining a full service, and we continue to adapt them to ensure the safety of DWP locations, employees and the service users.”

G4S said it made a pay offer of a 6.5 per cent rise from April 2023, and an average 9.3 per cent increase from December 2023 to April 2024.

A spokesperson said: “This is our best and last offer put to the GMB in April 2024 and the union has refused to put it to a vote by its members. 

“Once agreed all backdated pay would be paid to our employees. 

“Since 2022, G4S has made 12 pay offers and the GMB has taken only two to a ballot.” 

The Department for Work and Pensions said benefit payments and its telephone services will not be affected by the strike.

Job Centres will remain open where it is safe to do so and Bolton's centre was open as usual yesterday, the first day of the walk out.

“In any instances where a Job Centre might have to close, we will contact customers if appointments need to be rescheduled and will signpost urgent appointments to alternative locations,” said the department.

The strike will go on until Saturday.